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12 Unforgettable Arizona Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

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Updated: Feb 2, 2020


by Katie Lawrence from www.onlyinyourstate.com


12 day trips, 12 months. Are you up for the challenge? Arizona is full of places to visit, so we’ve narrowed the list to make your year the most exciting one yet.


1. January: Flagstaff

Flagstaff
On the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl


Flagstaff is by far the snowiest town in Arizona, receiving a whopping 100+ inches every year. This year is on track to be one of the snowiest ever, with a season total of 138" so far. Almost all of the trails at the Snowbowl are open for business, so don't waste any time!




2. February: Bell Rock (Sedona)

Bell Rock in Sedona
Bell Rock, one of the famous red rocks in northern Arizona's Coconino National Forest


No matter how skeptical you are of the New Age movement, it's hard to discount all the compelling testimonies from those who have climbed Bell Rock. One of the most heavily photographed landmarks in Arizona, this majestic red rock formation is rumored to harbor powerful energy vortexes on its summit. The trail is 3.5 miles round trip, and we recommend visiting during winter to avoid the sweltering Sedona summertime heat. You don't have to climb all the way up to experience the healing energy, either, which is good because it requires deviation from the main path.




3. March: Antelope Canyon (Page)




Located on Navajo land near Page, this ethereal slot canyon is one of the most photographed spots in Arizona. These sandstone walls were formed by centuries of water erosion, each curl serving as eternal documentation of how the waves carved their path. Due to the sacred nature of the land, access is restricted to guided tours only.




4. April: Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon
Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography



Though it shouldn't even have to be stated, this list simply wouldn't be complete without the Grand Canyon. There's just so much to do: hiking, horseback riding, camping, rafting, and even standing on a glass bridge more than 4,000 feet above the ground.




5. May: Goldfield Ghost Town (Apache Junction)





Though it's now just a replica, Goldfield was very much a real ghost town back in the day. High-grade gold ore kept the community booming until the late 1800s, when product ran out and miners relocated in search of work elsewhere. After being left to decay for nearly 100 years, the town was revived and turned into a reimagined version of its heyday. With a jail, bank, apothecary, working saloon, and plenty of other authentic buildings, you'll swear you've been transported back to the days of gunslingers and duels at high noon.




6. June: The Wave (Marble Canyon)

The Wave in Marble Canyon
A watering hole inside Marble Canyon



One of the most iconic natural wonders in Arizona, The Wave is located right near the Northern border with Utah. Almost resembling sand dunes, this unmistakable textured sandstone was formed long ago via wind erosion. Visitation requires a permit in order to keep numbers low and protect the delicate landscape. If you're lucky enough to be granted access, enjoy the viewing experience of a lifetime.





7. July: Tombstone





Though it's now just a replica, Goldfield was very much a real ghost town back in the day. High-grade gold ore kept the community booming until the late 1800s, when product ran out and miners relocated in search of work elsewhere. After being left to decay for nearly 100 years, the town was revived and turned into a reimagined version of its heyday. With a jail, bank, apothecary, working saloon, and plenty of other authentic buildings, you'll swear you've been transported back to the days of gunslingers and duels at high noon.



8. August: Montezuma Castle National Monument (Camp Verde)




Many native tribes built shelters in Arizona, but few are as well preserved as Montezuma Castle National Monument. This five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling dates back to nearly 1,000 years ago, when it was constructed high up in a limestone outcropping by the Sinagua people. A self-guided, 1.3-mile loop trail leads straight past the ruin, winding through a breathtaking sycamore grove and pristine spring-fed creek.




9. September: Meteor Crater (Winslow)




Just 30 minutes outside of Winslow sits one of the world's largest, and the single best-preserved meteor crater. It's about 50,000 years old, having been formed during a time when wooly mammoths roamed the earth! The meteorite measured about 150 feet across, and its largest fragment is currently preserved onsite. The best part? You'll feel like a superhero with the strong winds whipping your hair around.




10. October: Airplane Boneyard (Tucson)




Since Halloween is in October, it's only fitting to visit a graveyard. This cemetery is unconventional, however, as it's full of airplanes rather than people! Over 4,000 decommissioned military and NASA aircraft reside in the middle of the Sonoran desert, making it the largest collection of its kind on earth. Equally cool and creepy, huh?




11. November: Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)




This four-hour, 20-mile train ride whisks passengers away on an exhilarating journey through the rugged canyon wilderness. Fall is by far the best time to visit, with leaves showing off their most brilliant golden, maroon, and brown hues. Choose between first class, coach, and open-air seating to fit your group's specific needs. Seasonal events such as beer and wildlife trains are offered throughout the year.




12. December: Prescott

Photo by Michael Wilson





How many of these places have you been to? Which ones are still on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments.



by Katie Lawrence from www.onlyinyourstate.com



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